FIFA SAFETY RULES BREACHED

MKHUZWENI – The chaos at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre could have been better managed without resorting to warning shots, as FIFA regulations dictate. The altercation on Saturday at the Mkhuzweni Technical Centre outside Buhleni erupted during an MTN Premier League match between Royal Leopard and Mbabane Highlanders. The conflict ignited when an alleged Leopard supporter splashed buganu (marula brew) on a Highlanders fan, leading to a brawl that lasted roughly for two minutes, shortly after Leopard’s 2-1 victory over the ‘Black Bull’.The mayhem unfolded while media personnel conducted post-match interviews.

Fans were seen engaging in fistfights, kicking each other and wielding chairs, planks and bottles as weapons. The situation was eventually subdued when a police officer discharged a warning shot into the air to disperse the crowd. A significant concern is the use of force, particularly the firing of warning shots to disperse crowds.  FIFA’s regulations strongly discourage the use of firearms or warning shots, advocating instead for non-violent crowd management methods that emphasise de-escalation tactics and dialogue with fans. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) cautions that warning shots can escalate tensions and provoke panic, potentially resulting in injuries or fatalities.

Trained

FIFA also urges authorities to employ trained security personnel equipped with effective crowd control techniques to manage situations peacefully. An incident on March 1, 2023, during a football match in Mexico at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla , for instance, underscores these concerns. Following a heated match between Club Puebla and Club América, tensions flared among fans, prompting police to fire warning shots into the air.

The sound of gunfire instigated widespread panic, leading to a chaotic rush for the exits and numerous injuries as fans were trampled in the stampede. This event highlights the dangers associated with warning shots in crowded environments and the urgent need for improved crowd management strategies.When contacted for comment, Chief Police Information Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that police had indeed used warning shots to disperse the crowd.

Police

“There was police presence at Mkhuzweni to manage the public. They employed the standard safety protocols for such situations. The use of warning shots was justifiable to maintain public order. If there are regulations that contradict police actions, we encourage stakeholders to engage with police officers. Otherwise, it proved effective, as it calmed the brawl at that moment.” Notably, in one case in Indonesia were fatalities as a result of police firing tear-gas inside a stadium, back in 2022; the implicated officers were charged with negligence.
Meanwhile, PLE Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Vilakati stated that they would comment only after receiving the match commissioner’s report, typically by 4pm, today.

Address

Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe indicated they could not comment as they were not organising these games, emphasising that PLE was the appropriate body to address the matter. Notably, Dr Christian Emeruwa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Head of Safety and Security, commended the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) last July for hosting the first CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop among its 54 member associations. This workshop aimed to train security officers from Premier League clubs, police and the EFA’s security committee, underscoring the nation’s commitment to ensuring safety for all football stakeholders.

Emeruwa stressed the importance of the initiative in enhancing safety and security operations during matches and urged participants to apply their newly-acquired knowledge to improve football organisation in a secure environment across Africa. Highlanders and Leopard may face serious repercussions following recent disturbances involving their fans. Typically, the PLE confirms any charges today once they have received reports from the match commissioner. The teams are likely to face charges under Article 7(c), which stipulate that assaulting a referee, PLE official, player, club official, marshal, supporter, fan, or spectator, or using excessive force, shall result in a fine of no less than E40 000.

Compensate

Furthermore, the offending club may be mandated to compensate the victim for any financial losses incurred due to the assault. The teams could also be charged under Article 7(f) for throwing objects at individuals, resulting in assault or attempted assault, attracting a fine of no less than E10 000. Additionally, both teams may face repercussions under Article 7(g) for failing to control their fans, supporters, or officials, which carries a minimum fine of E25 000. Charges may also be instituted under Article 7(i) for committing any act of violence not specifically covered in the rules, with a minimum fine of E25 000 applicable. Cumulatively, these charges could amount to E100 000.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, tensions soared as Young Buffaloes officials expressed outrage over what they perceived as biased officiating, accusing FIFA-accredited referee Thulani Sibandze and his team of deciding the match’s outcome in their 0-1 loss to Nsingizini Hotspurs in Big Bend, this past weekend. The situation became so heated that the referees required an escort from the Royal Eswatini Police Service to ensure their safety. Buffaloes face fines exceeding E100 000 due to violations under Article 7. (Additional information by Mengameli Mabuza)

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